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Spaying/ neutering in winter

R

Rach210

Alpha Buck
Is it ok for rabbits to be spayed or neutered in winter, I mean is it safe or them to go from the garden to the warm vets and then back out into the garden? I as hoping to get Muffin done after christmas.
 
To be honest, I wouldnt. the only reason I say that is that it's not advised to put rabbits outside, then bring them in, then out again. Especially after the stress of the op, I'd be worried it'd be a bit much and they'd be unable to cope as well, risking them becoming ill. :wave:
 
I'd like to get them bonded ASAP but I don't want to risk their health. Maybe I'll wait a few months if it'd be dangerous.
 
I think that is a sensible reply but if bunny is healthy and it isn't really freezing he should be ok. The vet may advise to keep him in overnight then put him out the next day and as long as he has lots of bedding (not shavings) he should be ok. Lots of rabbits must have ops in the winter time and I have never heard anything to suggest they shouldn't.
 
I got my girls spayed in December when they were young. Thankfully, it was mild at the time, so they stayed inside for a week and could go outside again. If the weather is freezing, I wouldn't do it.
 
I've neutered buns in the winter before, I'm sure rescues must do it all the time too. I bring them indoors but put them in a room without heating, so they are not outside in the cold but are not getting too warm either. They can't properly regulate their body temperature after an anaesthetic so need to be indoors for the first 24 hours or so.

I will then just see how they are and when they seem to be fully bounced back (often 1-2 days for boys, can be a little longer for girls) I put them back outside on a mild day, in the morning, so they have all day to reacclimatise before the temperature drops off overnight, and then provide them with a snuggle safe for the first few nights. As long as they're indoors in a coolish room and only temporarily, they won't lose their winter coat in a few days, it's just a case of making the transition back outdoors as smooth as possible.
 
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